Diary of a martian beekeeper

March 8, 2018

ESA

Irish engineer, scientist and performer Dr. Niamh Shaw will be presenting her third science theatre show ‘Diary of a Martian Beekeeper’ at Smock Alley Theatre Dublin from March 13-16th. This show emerged from a collaboration between ESA and CIT Blackrock Castle Observatory in Cork, where she is their artist in residence,

Lorraine Conroy and Juan de Dalmau from ESTECs communications office and Stephanie O’Neill at ESERO Ireland office have been advocates of this show since its inception and provided invaluable support in getting the project off the ground. Awarded project funding from Science Foundation Ireland with CIT Blackrock Castle Observatory, Niamh began working with ESA’s Astronaut Centre in early 2017. Liainsing with Irish research fellow at EAC Aidan Cowley, and Jules Grandsire in communications, she was provided access to employees at the centre, reflecting the massive human effort in space exploration. These interviews are included in the production,

The show about Niamh’s dream to go to Space has been inspired by testimonies of ESA EAC employees (with excepts included in the production), human missions to Mars, and Niamh’s personal space journey. A highly visual exploration of future interplanetary human exploration, Shaw and her creative team have created a new world order, reminding us of the power of the collective, the fragility of the solitary human and the united will behind all major breakthroughs. Because we may one day leave the cradle of Earth, but we will always be human.

The play is set in 2036. Niamh is on Mars and is a member of Crew 173, on a long duration mission to investigate new ways of growing food in this arid foreign land. As their 2-year mission comes to an end, one crucial experiment remains for Niamh. But will she overcome her personal struggles or put the whole crew and the mission in danger?

Commenting Dr. Niamh Shaw said, “The play will be rooted in truth and science but will inspire and open the imaginations and hearts of the audience”.